Active in AAU programs for over 50 years, he made his mark most strongly in the sport of boxing where as a trainer and coach he produced a long list of nationally prominent fighters. In 1974 he was inducted into the AAU Boxing Hall of Fame and was named the AAU’s “Man of the Year.” Served as secretary-treasurer of the Ohio Association of Boxing and Ohio Wrestling Commission and the National Wrestling Association.
Spent 43 years as a sportswriter, the last 23 with the Cleveland Press. Retired in 1966 with a reputation as one of the country’s most knowledgeable experts in the fields of track, amateur and professional golf and collegiate football. Covered every major golf tournament during his career, as well as several Olympics.
Helped lay the foundation for Cleveland’s amateur sports program, a program which served as a model for many cities. A founder of the Muny Football Association, he served as its first president from 1946 to 1960. Also served as president of the Muny Basketball Association from 1931 until 1960, chairman of the football and basketball arbitration boards, and secretary of the Cleveland Baseball Federation’s arbitration board.
A devoted friend of handicapped and underprivileged youngsters and of sports and athletes on both amateur and the professional level, he owned the Cleveland Pipers basketball team, an early entry (1950s) in professional basketball here and headed Group 66, an organization devoted to promoting civic improvement, including the support of athletic programs, in Cleveland. Became principal owner of the New York Yankees in 1973.
Member of U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Played for Cleveland Blues from 1919 to 1924 and was considered the fastest skater of his time and one of the most colorful. Called the “Father of Hockey in Cleveland” by some. Unquestionably one of the finest hockey players in the country at that time.
Played 21 years of amateur and professional hockey, including three seasons (1943-46) with the Cleveland Barons. Also played with Providence Reds and Springfield Indians in American Hockey League. Scored 41 goals and had 39 assists with Reds’ division champs in 1947-48. Starred with Barons’ AHL champions in 1944-45.
Longtime goalkeeper for Cleveland Barons during the ’30s and early ’40s. Saw service with Boston Bruins in late ’20s and New York Americans in early ’30s. Starred in Barons championship of 1938-39. Member of Barons Hall of Fame.
Outstanding playmaker and scorer as center for Barons for several seasons through 1947. Was on same line with Bobby Carse with Chicago Blackhawks when they set two records: five goals by one line in a single period, and Cunningham’s five points in that same period (three goals, two assists). Is in the Barons Hall of Fame.
Member of Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame. Scored over 100 goals for Cleveland Blues between 1919 and 1924. When the team disbanded he joined the old Montreal Maroons of the National Hockey League and became the first NHL player to score over 300 goals in a career. Also played with Boston and closed career with the New York Americans at close to age 40 with 324 NHL goals.
Forward with Chicago Blackhawks 1939-43. Wounded and captured in service but recovered to become a star with Barons from 1946 through 1950, except for brief stint with Montreal. Served as American Hockey League Linesman and later ran Parma hockey program for 15 years. Still a Cleveland resident. In Barons Hall of Fame.